Can MRI Predict Flexibility in Scheuermann Kyphosis Patients?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Scheuermann kyphosis (SK) requires accurate thoracic kyphosis (TK) flexibility measurement for preoperative planning.
• Current methods, like hyperextension radiography (HE), utilize ionizing radiation.
• No established MRI protocols exist for SK flexibility assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of MRI versus lateral radiograph with bolster in measuring SK curve flexibility.
• To evaluate MRI as a non-ionizing radiation alternative for SK assessment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of imaging studies from 18 SK patients.
• Measurement of sagittal Cobb angle for TK flexibility using standing radiograph, bolster-assisted lateral HE, and supine MRI.
• Statistical comparison using generalized estimating equation and correlation analyses.

Main Results:

• MRI demonstrated a significant reduction in TK by 30 degrees (P<0.001).
• Hyperextension radiography showed a TK reduction of 39.3 degrees (P<0.001).
• A strong linear dependency was found between HE and MRI flexibility measurements (R=0.61, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Preoperative MRI is a reliable method for assessing SK flexibility.
• MRI offers comparable predictive value to bolster-assisted HE radiography.
• Utilizing MRI may decrease patient exposure to preoperative ionizing radiation.